Maureen O’Hara was one of the queens of the golden age of Hollywood but never forgot her roots. She was always extremely proud to be Irish.
Although she spent the final years of her life in America to be closer to her family, she often spoke warmly about her home country and the people she knew back in Ireland.
Her final home in Ireland was a mansion on the Co Cork coastline that she sold shortly before she passed away.
She had bought the home in 1970 with her husband Captain Charles F. Blair, Jr.
O’Hara became a big part of the community and had a particular fondness for the local golf club, where she helped to set up an annual tournament.
As she put the home up for sale we were given a rare glimpse into the life of O’Hara and the place she so enjoyed spending her final years in Ireland.
The estate is known as Lugdine Park and covers 35 acres of land. It overlooks Glengarriff Bay and has two islands and a private beach. It is surrounded by woodland and has views of the Cork/Kerry Mountains in the distance, making it one of the most desirable homes in Ireland.
The main house is 3,665 sq ft/ 340 sq m and the property also includes and cottage and outdoor changing rooms. There are over 30 ‘ladies’ walks on the grounds.
O’Hara last set foot in the property in 2012 before moving to Idaho to be with her grandson and his family.
At the time she told the Irish Times: “I have too many wonderful memories of Glengarriff to pick just one. One is starting my golf tournament that goes on every summer. All of us, the whole village, pulled together to get it going. And it still is today. You miss Ireland for all your life when you leave. I miss looking out my bedroom window at the boats coming in and eating at Casey’s.”
The Quiet Man star entertained several celebrities and VIPs during her years at Lugdine Park, including former Mayor of New York Ed Koch.
In the past the estate has also been owned by William Martin Murphy, founder of the Irish Independent.
Take a look at some of pictures of the beautiful property and a video tour of the surrounding area.
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